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11.09.2018

The Spinster and I ~ Review with Author Interview and Giveaway

The Spinster and IThe Spinster Chronicles #2By Rebecca Connolly

Prudence (Prue) Westfall has a secret and the rest of London Society is about to learn it thanks to her mother. She's inherited a fortune and will now, most, unfortunately, come to the attention of gentlemen. As one of the Spinsters (with a capital S) she has been mostly ignored and with her propensity to stutter when under stress or in proximity to her mother, her hateful cousin Eliza, or when paid attention to in general she is ignored at most social settings. But her comfort is about to change starting with the house party that her mother has insisted that she attend.

When the attention of the gentlemen become too much Prue escapes only to be discovered by Camden Vale a gentleman, who is no gentleman as his reputation will attest (at least the rumored reputation he has attained will). But to Prue's surprise, Camden doesn't seem put off by her shyness or her stammer. In fact, he offers her his protection during the house party while warning her of his less than ideal reputation.

As the house party, to which none of the other Spinsters was invited, progresses Camden and Prue form a unique friendship, one that they know will not continue once they return to London. Prue brings out the best in Camden, bringing forth a protective nature that he never knew he had. While Camden seemingly understands her soothing her agitation and managing to converse with her so that her stammer goes away in his presence.

Returning to London brings Prue's worst fears with it - she has become an heiress to be hunted for her fortune! With her mother once again firmly in control, Prue is about to lose herself unless she can find a champion to help her. To the Spinsters shock and horror, she accepts the attentions of Camden Vale! Can they trust Prue's judgment in this matter or has the stress and abuse of her mother and Eliza finally proven too much?

The Spinster and I is a delightful new addition in The Spinster Chronicles as Prue takes center stage in this one. The other Spinsters are in this one though not as prominently as in The Merry Lives of Spinsters and my goodness are they protective of Prue almost to the point of suffocation at times. If you are looking for a delightful read for your long weekend or for an after-work unwind this is just what you are looking. This is a clean, gentle read which is set in the Regency Period are appropriate for teens and up.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through SLB Book Tours with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

Prudence Westfall, a spinster, has unexpectedly had the greatest misfortune of all: she has inherited a fortune and is now an heiress. But as a Spinster, and a stammering shy one, nothing could be worse than having a bevy of suitors pay her attention. Opportunity strikes at a house party when the most unlikely person offers the perfect solution.

Camden Vale is no gentleman, and he’s not prone to saving anyone, but something about Prue changes all that. When his offer to befriend her extends beyond the house party, and his feelings extend beyond expectation, no one is more surprised than he. Except, perhaps, for the other Spinsters, and they have much to say on the subject.

I love the manners and the fashions, the way of life, and the restraint, strangely enough. It is so much fun to play with romance in a time of such restrictions!

3) What one author past or present would you like to mentor you?

Oh, Jane Austen. She has so much wit in her writing, and I have a feeling she would not only be a fantastic mentor, but an absolute riot to be around!

4) How do develop your setting (a photo, a trip, a random comment)?

I take in everything I can, honestly. Photos of estates, the countryside, or fashions. A song that suddenly inspires a ballroom scene. Actors that I see. Lines that I hear. Trips that I have taken absolutely play a huge role, and I hope to take many more to get inspiration!

5) If you could share a cup of tea (or coffee) with anyone who would it be?

Julie Andrews. I would hang on her every word.

6) Do you have a favorite Regency period author that you would recommend?

Hmm. Well, if you haven’t read Jane Austen, you need to… Sally Britton is fabulous, and so is Jen Geigle Johnson. Actually, picking up some of the Timeless Regency collections will get you some AWESOME names! It works for me every time!

7)Who is your favorite character in your book?

I just adore Prue. She is so sweet, but surprisingly witty, and just has such a good heart and deserves so much!

8)What one question do you wish you would be asked and how would you answer it?

“What is the best period drama out there?” And I would respond with Poldark. Hands down.

About the Author:

Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.